The 5 Keys:
Building A Great Relationship With Your Boss

Contributed by Rob Siders

You've just graduated from college and you're new to the world of work. You've pressed your suits and shined your shoes. You've even gone shopping for a few new shirts or blouses.

In your first few days on the job, you will meet many people and fill out the necessary paperwork. You might even use some employee training software to learn some ins-and-outs before rolling up your shirtsleeves and getting to work.

As a recent college grad it's a given you have some basic office skills. You certainly know how to use e-mail.

Working with your boss can be an intimidating prospect. She doesn't know you very well and you might not know anyone who works there.

It can be a scary time and your first few months on the job could shape perceptions of you during your entire career at that company. One of the ways to help ensure you get off on the right foot is establishing a great relationship with your boss.

Keep in mind these five keys and your sailing should be smooth.

1. Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open
At your first job, just like when you were in school not all that long ago, there's a time for keeping quiet and absorbing all you can. No one is expecting you to have all the answers, so be sure you're asking questions when you don't understand something.

It's great to have confidence and even a little swagger. Still, never act as if you have the answer when you don't. Your still-developing credibility suffers when someone calls your bluff.

2. Act Like You've Been There Before
In other words, be a professional:

• Dress for the job you want (and not the one you have).
• Be on time.
• Be respectful.
• Be considerate of the opinions of others.

If all of these things sound like common sense, it's because they are. Yet it's easy to forget these things as you become more comfortable in your new job.

Keep them at the forefront of your skill set and your professional foundation will be solid.

3. Step Up
Here is your chance to excel. If there's a new project in your department that interests you, ask to be a part of the team.

If–after you've gained the confidence of your boss and co-workers–you have an idea that meets your company's or department's business objectives, put together a presentation and pitch it to your boss. Better still ... pitch it to your boss and your boss's boss.

Beware: it's not wise to volunteer for every project that interests you. You will spread yourself too thin and put your overall job performance at risk.

4. Exceed the Expectations
There's an old adage in sales: under promise and over deliver. The same holds true for you even if you're not in sales.

One of the easiest traps to fall into is taking on more than you can handle. Deadlines are going to slip sometimes under the best of circumstances.

Why make it harder for yourself by taking on more than you can accomplish? Doing so can be a recipe for disaster, so avoid it at all costs.

By managing your project loads efficiently and delivering on your promises, you'll put yourself in position to stand out in a good way.

5. Perform at Your Best
Here is a little more common sense. While it seems this key is self-evident, often times your first job can be overwhelming.

What people often overlook is ensuring they're in top shape.

Get exercise to keep your energy levels high. Eat regular, well-balanced meals to fuel your body and brain.

Lastly, make sure you have a life away from work. In these new situations, it's easy to get behind in the race to impress your new boss and co-workers.

Performing at your best means making it a priority to take care of yourself, too.

Your boss hired you for your ethic, your desire, and your knowledge. You know how to work hard and you are ultimately a reflection on her, as much as you are on yourself.

Remember that your boss wants you to succeed as much as you do. Keeping in mind these five keys will help you get off on the right foot and stay there.

About the Author:
Rob Siders is a freelance writer living in Denver, Colorado.